Using music for a project

[dech2410]

Hey Jordan (or anyone else who knows about this)

Is there a possibility to use music from Dream Theater for a project that we have with our site? We really don't want to get in trouble with this, but we want to use some pieces from I Walk Beside you for a monthly podcast. And if this possibility isn't there, could we have the oppurtunity to use some pieces from your solo material in our podcasts? Of course name and all info will be on the podcast too, including your copyrights!

Thank you ^_^

Dennis

[SerFox]

Just to chip in here: As long as these podcasts are just for fun, and theres no money changing hands anywhere it should be alright, but wait for permission, it's rare but you can get done for it and even though the DT guys are fair and friendly I doubt the record labels lawyers are.

With this kind of circumstance the likelihood of you obtaining permission (Especially form a forum) is thin, but the luck in it is that Jordan does come here every now and then, and you might get lucky.

But it may come to the point where p0ermission is not obtainable in time, and if this happens dont risk it and use the music, ask around, there are plenty folk here who write stuff, and even I would be glad to let you sue bits of my solo stuff (http://www.myspace.com/northernfox) for your project.

All in all I wish you the best of luck

Fox

[dech2410]

Yeah, it was just that IWBY would fit perfectly for the project... And no it's not money making :P

[Taurus]

I'm afraid you're never gonna get a "yes" from an official person. But sometimes it's funny how the world works.

[dech2410]

hmm too bad. You know I think jordan would definatly say yes if I put some copyright on it, but the record label is alway like: >_> meh make your own music :p

[SerFox]

Okay, go ahead with it and take the following precautions.

At the beginning add a 5 second splash of this text:

Music in this video was written and performed by Dream Theater. All copyrights belong to their respective owners.

then at the end add:

All rights reserved. Music was written and performed by Dream Theater. Coprights belong to their respective owners, all trademarks, copyrights, performances and audio recordings are property of Roadrunner Records and Dream Theater (Copyrights therein are of their own, agreements of ownership take place therein).


If Roadrunner records get in touch with you (I doubt they will if this is a personal project) immediately remove any content of your own which contains the music and express to them you meant no harm. Make it as clear as possible that you were not intending to pass off and were using the sound recordings and writing for personal experimental use.

Good luck.

[-=AnatomiC=-]

I don't see why you couldn't

As long as you make no money with your project, and give Dream Theater a credit, there should not be any problem...

As a musician (well, still a crappy one, but my view will never change, I think), I would love if somebody would use my music somewhere, as long as:
- they would not make money with it
- they would give me a credit for making music.

[Athox]

It doesn't matter if a project makes money or not. It's a myth. You still need to obtain a license to use it. The internet is a public place. If it was for your family and friends only, or a private limited-access site, you would not need a license.

Get in touch with the record label, or any contact info on the cd cover. Probably the publisher has the rights, if this is not the same as the label. If you ask nicely, and explain to them what the project is about, they probably will give you permission, but as mentioned, don't expect anything.

And don't use it before you have permission. If you haven't tried to get a license, the status is the same as if they had denied your request. They could sue you without warning, and they'd most likely take everything you have.

HOWEVER, there is something about using <1 minute of a piece for free. You should look up that bit. Not sure if the RIAA has anything like that, but here in Europe that exists.